Small hepatocellular carcinoma associated with Wilson's disease

Abstract

We report a 66-year-old male patient with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with Wilson's disease. The patient presented with unresolving abnormal liver function test, decreased serum ceruloplasmin levels and increased 24-hour urine copper excretion. Liver biopsy specimen revealed the presence of increased levels of copper and features suggestive of Wilson's disease. Abdominal imaging showed the existence of a small HCC. Three years after chemoembolization and microwave coagulation therapy for HCC, he died of hepatic failure, which apparently resulted from chemoembolization. Patients with Wilson's disease should be screened for HCC. We should elude therapies such as chemoembolization in these patients.